IZOD IndyCar Series Media Day 2013: Graham Rahal

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Indy drivers are gathering this week to test drive at Barber Motorsports Park, in anticipation of the April 5-7 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama.

Here is some insight from one of the drivers participating.

Driver: Graham Rahal:

Team/car: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing/ Midas Big O Tires Honda

Career/2012 season highlights: Rahal won his first IndyCar series race at the 2008 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with Newman/Haas Racing, making the then-19-year-old the youngest winner in major auto racing history. In 2012, he finished 10th in point standings, with a best finish of second at Texas. He had four top-five and seven top-10 finishes.

Points at Media Day:

Rahal joined the team owned by his father (former Indy champ Bobby Rahal), David Letterman and Mi-Jack co-owner Mike Lanigan in a long-anticipated move this off-season, and said he is looking to the 2013 season with an eagerness he's not felt before. He answered questions on the camaraderie of his new team and his goals for the upcoming season.

• On the atmosphere surrounding the team: "This is a real welcome change for me. Racing is fun again, and the environment I'm in now engages it. There is a different mentality here. My Dad knows the name of everyone in the garage, and I think that even with the season not started yet, I feel like every person would say they love working here and wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

• On being part of a family team: "This year, I don't have even one concern about the team. Dad loves this, he loves racing. It's not an opportunity to make money. It's a chance to do something he loves. Whatever our team needs, he's gonna go get it and give us everything we need. If I could win with my Dad, it would mean a ton."

• On his expectations for the season: "I think we've put together the most productive off-season of any team, and I think it's going to be a pretty special year. I'm really, really excited and I can't wait to get the season started."